• Course Number: GMS 6531
• Credit Hours: 2 credit hours
• Course Format: Online and asynchronous 
• Course Syllabus: View Full Course Details

Course Description

This course covers the fundamentals of drugs and biologics that target the endocrine, musculoskeletal, reproductive and gastrointestinal systems. Students study how various drugs, including parathyroid, gastrointestinal and dermatological drugs, effectively treat or control disorders of the human body. Successful completion of this program instills students with an understanding of the diversity of these substances and their mechanisms of action.  

Topics Covered:

• Endocrine System
• Pituitary
• Corticosteroids – Glucocorticoids and Mineralocorticoids
• Thyroid Drugs – Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, and Parathyroid Drugs
• Diabetes – Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
• Male Gonadal Hormones
• Androgen Pharmacology
• Female Gonadal Hormones
• Female Reproductive Pharmacology
• Contraceptives
• Osteoporosis Drugs
• Gastrointestinal Drugs
• Skeletal Muscle Relaxants
• Local Anesthetics
• Dermatological Drugs

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the diversity of small molecule drugs and biologics that target the endocrine, musculoskeletal, GI and reproductive systems.

2. Understand the mechanisms by which drugs and biologics targeting endocrine, musculoskeletal and reproductive systems act in the body and at their targets, including the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of these agents.

3. Demonstrate the ability to apply pharmacological principles of clinical and basic science relevancy by multiple-choice examinations, research assignments and quiz exercises.

Final Grade Calculation

• 50% problem sets
• 20% research assignments:
  • Neuroendocrine pharmacology
  • Reproduction and contraception
• 30% final exam

Prerequisites

This course requires a BA or BS and a strong science foundation with at least five full-semester courses related to biology, chemistry and/or physics.